craniology
noun
cra·ni·ol·o·gy ˌkrā-nē-ˈä-lə-jē 
: the comparative study of the size, shape, and proportions of skulls
Note: Formerly, and especially from the 19th to mid-20th century, craniology was often linked to the notion that differences in human skull sizes were correlated with differences in intelligence, and was used to support the erroneous belief in the superiority or inferiority of different racial groups.
Word History
Etymology
probably from German Kraniologie, from kranio- crani- + -logie -logy
First Known Use
1863, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
craniology
noun
cra·ni·ol·o·gy ˌkrā-nē-ˈäl-ə-jē
plural craniologies
: the comparative study of the size, shape, and proportions of skulls
Note: Formerly, and especially from the 19th to mid-20th century, craniology was often linked to the notion that differences in human skull sizes were correlated with differences in intelligence, and was used to support the erroneous belief in the superiority or inferiority of different racial groups.